How to get someone up stairs in a wheelchair?: A Guide to Safer Mobility

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 5.5 million Americans use a wheelchair, and navigating stairs can be one of the most significant challenges. This guide explains the safest ways to get someone up stairs in a wheelchair, from proper manual lifting techniques to recommended equipment and home modifications.

Quick Summary

This guide details safe manual lifting techniques for two people to assist a person in a wheelchair on stairs. It also explores various mobility solutions like ramps, stair lifts, and specialized climbing equipment to improve accessibility.

Key Points

• Always Prioritize Safety: A two-person lift for a manual wheelchair is significantly safer than a single-person attempt due to the reduced risk of injury.

• Check Your Surroundings: Before any lift, inspect the staircase for hazards and confirm there is enough clearance at the top and bottom.

• Secure the Wheelchair User: Use a safety belt and remove or fold away any footrests to prevent accidents during the lift.

• Use Proper Lifting Form: When lifting manually, bend with your knees and use your leg muscles, not your back, to avoid strain and injury.

• Communicate Effectively: Establish clear verbal cues with the person in the wheelchair and any assistants to coordinate movements smoothly.

• Consider Equipment for Long-Term Needs: For permanent or frequent use, invest in safer solutions like portable ramps, platform lifts, or stair-climbing wheelchairs.

• Never Manually Lift a Power Wheelchair: These chairs are too heavy and require specialized lifts, not manual assistance, to move safely on stairs.

Essential Safety Preparations Before Lifting

Before any manual lifting attempt, thorough preparation is paramount to ensure the safety of both the caregiver and the wheelchair user.

Assess the Environment and Equipment

• Inspect the staircase: Check for any hazards such as loose carpeting, clutter, or slippery surfaces. Short, straight flights are more manageable, while steep or spiral stairs pose a much higher risk for manual lifting.
• Verify the wheelchair: Ensure the wheelchair is a manual model. Never attempt to manually lift a person in a heavy electric or power chair, as this requires specialized equipment. Check that all parts, including the frame and handles, are secure and in good working condition.
• Clear the path: Confirm there is enough clear space at the top and bottom of the stairs to maneuver the chair safely.

Secure the Wheelchair User

• Use a safety belt: A properly fastened seat belt or harness is critical to prevent the individual from slipping or falling out of the chair during the lift.
• Secure loose parts: Always fold up or remove footrests and any other removable parts that could snag or cause a tripping hazard.
• Establish communication: Agree on clear verbal cues with the wheelchair user and any other helpers involved. Simple commands like “Ready,” “Lift,” and “Stop” can prevent missteps.

Manual Lifting Techniques for a Manual Wheelchair

For short flights of stairs and in the absence of alternative solutions, a two-person manual lift is the safest method for a manual wheelchair. A one-person lift is highly discouraged due to the high risk of injury.

The Two-Person Manual Lift

1. Assign roles: A stronger person should stand behind the wheelchair to provide the main lifting force, while a second person stands in front to stabilize and guide the chair.
2. Position the rear assistant: The person at the back should stand with a wide, stable stance, facing the stairs. They should firmly grip the main frame of the wheelchair, avoiding movable parts. Use the foot-operated tilt bars to help leverage the chair backward.
3. Position the front assistant: The person in front should face the stairs, gripping the main frame near the front casters. This person helps guide the chair and prevents it from tipping forward.
4. Lift and ascend: Working together, and using the agreed-upon verbal cues, the rear assistant tilts the chair backward onto its main wheels. On the count of three, both assistants use their legs (not their back) to lift the chair up one step at a time.
5. Maintain balance: Keep the chair tilted back throughout the ascent, pausing after each step to regain balance and communicate.
6. Reach the top: Once the top landing is reached, the front assistant guides the chair forward until all four wheels are securely on the floor. Slowly lower the front wheels down.

The One-Person Manual Lift (Manual Wheelchair Only)

While not recommended for safety reasons, a highly capable caregiver can attempt this with extreme caution and on very short flights of stairs. The person assisting stands behind the wheelchair, engages the wheel locks, and tilts the chair back on its rear wheels. Using powerful leg muscles, they lift and roll the chair up one step at a time, keeping it tilted back and maintaining firm control. This method carries a significant risk of falling backward and should only be a last resort.

Equipment and Professional Solutions

For long-term safety and ease, especially for power wheelchairs or frequent stair navigation, specialized equipment is the superior option.

Solution	Best For	Pros	Cons
Portable Ramps	Temporary use over one or two steps.	Versatile, transportable, and relatively low cost.	Not suitable for steep or long staircases; may be unstable on uneven surfaces.
Stair-Climbing Wheelchairs	Independent or assisted stair navigation.	Specifically designed to climb stairs, offering greater independence and safety.	High cost, limited availability, and may require significant training.
Platform Lifts	Moving both the person and the wheelchair together.	Permanent, safe solution for multi-level homes; handles power wheelchairs.	Expensive, requires professional installation and building modifications.
Stair Lifts	Individuals who can transfer from their wheelchair.	Cost-effective alternative to platform lifts for individuals with some mobility.	The user must be able to transfer safely from the wheelchair to the lift seat.
Home Elevators	Long-term, comprehensive accessibility.	Fully accessible, adds significant home value, handles any type of wheelchair.	Very high cost, requires major construction and professional installation.

Conclusion

Safely getting a person up stairs in a wheelchair requires careful planning and a commitment to safety. While manual lifting is an option for certain situations, it always carries risks and is best performed with at least two trained individuals. Long-term accessibility should be addressed through specialized equipment such as ramps, stair lifts, or platform lifts, which eliminate the risks of manual lifting and offer greater independence. Prioritizing safety through proper technique and the right equipment is key to navigating stairs successfully. Consult a healthcare provider or mobility specialist to determine the best solution for your specific situation.

For more information on wheelchair skills and safety, consult resources like the University Health Network's Spinal Cord Essentials documents on mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe for one person to lift a wheelchair up the stairs?

No, it is highly recommended to use a two-person assist for lifting a manual wheelchair up stairs, as a one-person lift carries a significant risk of injury to both the caregiver and the wheelchair user.

Can you use a manual lifting technique for an electric wheelchair?

No, you should never attempt to manually lift a person in a heavy electric or power wheelchair. These chairs require specialized equipment like platform lifts for safe transport on stairs.

What is the best way to lift a wheelchair up stairs manually?

The safest method involves two people. One person stands behind the wheelchair and lifts, while the other stands in front to stabilize the chair. Both should use their legs to lift and communicate clearly throughout the process.

What safety precautions should be taken before lifting a wheelchair?

Before lifting, ensure the wheelchair user is wearing a safety belt, remove or fold away any footrests, and check that the staircase is free of hazards and clutter.

What are some equipment alternatives for navigating stairs in a wheelchair?

Equipment alternatives include portable ramps for temporary use, permanent platform lifts that move both the chair and user, stair-climbing wheelchairs, and home elevators.

How can you coordinate a two-person lift effectively?

To coordinate a lift, assign clear roles for lifting and stabilizing, and agree on simple verbal cues like "ready" and "lift" to ensure synchronized movements.

What kind of lift is best for a power wheelchair?

A platform lift is the best option for moving a power wheelchair up stairs, as it is designed to carry both the user and the heavy chair safely.